Electrode

Additional Details

Every time an arc is struck the electrode receives a high current surge that brings it from a cold state to an extremely hot state very quickly. The ionized plasma gas flowing past the electrode is full of charged particles. These particles pull away atoms from the hot surface of the electrode which wears away the emitting element and creates a pit in the surface.

The number of arc starts and stops is more important than actual cutting time in establishing the life of the electrode.